The Environmental Education Leaders (EELs) Program was created to meet the growing demand for environmental education in Hawaiʻi schools. As part of this program, EELs become the catalyst for natural resource education, Hawaiian studies, and conservation in schools. Learn more about the qualifications and benefits below:

Qualifications:

• Ability to manage and mentor groups of students

• Related work experience in education, natural resource management, Hawaiian studies or other similar fields

• Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with varied audiences

• Have own housing and transportation

• Driver’s license and willingness to drive students in 15-passenger vehicles

• Pass a criminal history check/driving history check/drug test

• Be at least 21 years of age

Benefits:

• Earn living stipend equivalent to $17.00 per hour

• Health care and childcare benefits (if eligible)

• Receive hands-on environmental education, leadership, and other valuable professional development trainings

• Network with mentors in the conservation and education fields

• Help protect Hawaiʻi’s natural resources and make a positive impact in your community!

Email education@kupuhawaii.com for more information.

The Environmental Education Department (EED) partners with Department of Education schools on a school-need basis. We provide direct support to teachers and students through the placement of Environmental Education Leaders, as well as strategic support at the school or complex level. Learn more below.

Eligibility:

• Be a Hawaiʻi public or charter intermediate or high school

• Have a Project Team: 1+ dedicated supervisor(s) responsible for working consistently with the EED to identify school goals and priorities and for mentoring, supervising the Environmental Education Leader, and able to attend mandatory supervisor training

Benefits:

• Supplement your school’s environmental and sustainability goals/curriculum with ʻāina-based and work-based learning opportunities

• Increase capacity through in-class support and mentorship of students

• Expose students to a variety of natural resource professionals and organizations that inspire career aspirations in students

• Receive strategies and accompanying resources to use in curriculum building

• Promote enrollment in NR pathways by students with varying interests and skillsets

• Build alignment opportunities between high and intermediate schools

Previous Achievements in Host Schools: building natural resource career pathways, supporting teachers in delivering environmental and cultural education, coordinating outdoor field trips and in-classroom guest speakers, creating curricula and projects to increase scientific exploration and environmental literacy, and mentoring youth in capstone and sustainability projects.

Current Partner Schools: Hawaiʻi Technology Academy, Kailua Intermediate School, Kalāheo High School, Kapolei High School, Nānākuli High & Intermediate School, Radford High School, Waipahu High School, Waiʻanae High School, Pāhoa High & Intermediate School

Email education@kupuhawaii.org for more information.

Since Launching in the 2013-2014 School Year

• 31 schools served

• 45 Environmental Education Leaders

• 12 cohorts